â€‹Correctional officers stopped an 18-year-old male person in custody from committing suicide by hanging in Pik Uk Correctional Institution today (January 21).
      
     At 1.24am today, correctional officers found the person in custody attempting suicide by hanging with his upper garment tied to the grille bars of a hospital ward. Officers immediately called for reinforcement to rescue and provide first-aid treatment to him. The person in custody was found conscious at the time and was subsequently sent to a public hospital for further treatment.
      
     A clinical psychologist of the Department will follow up on the case.
      
     A spokesman for the Correctional Services Department said, "The department uses all possible measures to prevent persons in custody from attempting suicide or self-harm. These measures include administrative arrangements, improvements of institution facilities, staff training and first-aid services."
      
     The person in custody was sentenced to undergo training at the rehabilitation centre for the offence of conspiracy to defraud in January 2025.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (January 21) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) jointly announced today (January 21) the official launch of the direct linkage between the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) operated by CMU OmniClear Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Exchange Fund), and the central securities depository (CSD) operated by Macao Central Securities Depository and Clearing Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the AMCM). The direct linkage aims to promote the development of the bond markets in the two regions.
      
     Since the joint announcement on September 16, 2024, the HKMA and the AMCM have co-operated closely to prepare for the launch of the direct linkage and to jointly develop the business arrangements and operational procedures. The connection between the bond market infrastructures in Hong Kong and Macao will provide a cross-border investment and financing channel, enabling investors from both markets to participate in each other's bond market with greater ease and efficiency. The direct linkage also signifies a new milestone in financial co-operation between Hong Kong and Macao, leveraging the strengths of both regions and demonstrating the synergistic development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
      
     Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said "To enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international financial centre, the HKMA has established connectivity with various neighbouring financial markets over the years, and continues to explore direct linkages with other central securities depositories. The direct linkage showcases Hong Kong's role as a 'super-connector' and represents a major step towards developing the CMU into an international CSD in Asia."
      
     Chairman of the AMCM, Mr Benjamin Chan, said "The official launch of the direct linkage between the bond markets of Macao and Hong Kong achieved the first connectivity of Macao's bond market infrastructure established with a CSD located outside of Macao. This will provide international investors, including those from Portuguese-speaking countries, with a convenient channel to participate in the bond markets of Macao and Hong Kong, further strengthening Macao's function as the financial services platform serving China and Portuguese speaking countries. The AMCM will continue to establish connectivity with the bond markets in Mainland and international markets, to gradually expand new financial services and to support the development of appropriate economic diversification for Macao."

     â€‹The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, arrived in Davos, Switzerland, yesterday morning (January 20, Davos time) to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025.

     Upon arrival, Mr Chan had lunch with several leaders from the finance and business sectors attending the Annual Meeting. He promoted Hong Kong's advantages and value as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" to them. The guests included representatives from large-scale financial, transportation, industrial and technology enterprises from Europe, America, the Middle East and Japan. During the lunch meeting, Mr Chan briefed the guests on Hong Kong's latest economic and social developments, particularly the positive progress made in the local financial market last year, and the achievements in attracting businesses and talent. He emphasised Hong Kong's strategies and measures for developments in finance, innovation and technology, trade and aviation, as well as how to create opportunities for businesses and talent worldwide.

     Thereafter, Mr Chan met with the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, to discuss strengthening bilateral trade co-operation. He expressed his gratitude for Mr Albudaiwi's visit to Hong Kong to attend the 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF). Both parties agreed that the new session "Gulf Cooperation Council Chapter" at the AFF marked a milestone in advancing financial services co-operation between Hong Kong and the Gulf states. Mr Chan also expressed hope for accelerating the signing of a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the GCC, and noted that the HKSAR Government will actively promote more two-way visits of business delegations, thereby facilitating the matching of projects in the digital economy and green transformation, as well as co-operation in the securities markets, Islamic finance, and asset and wealth management between Hong Kong and the Arab States.

     In the afternoon, Mr Chan met with Mr Martin Gilbert, the Chair of Revolut, a UK-based fintech company specialising in digital banking services, to learn about the latest developments in their digital banking operations, cryptocurrency trading and security risk management for digital banking services. Mr Chan noted that Hong Kong has a vibrant fintech ecosystem, and is the best entry point into the Chinese Mainland market. He welcomed Revolut to expand its business in Hong Kong to tap into the Mainland and Southeast Asian markets.

     In the evening, Mr Chan attended the welcome reception hosted by the WEF. He will continue his trip in Davos today (January 21, Davos time), including attending the Special Address by Vice Premier of the State Council Mr Ding Xuexiang.

          

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     The fire danger situation today (January 21) is red and fire risk is extreme. The countryside is extremely vulnerable to fire. If you are planning to spend the day in the countryside, please take pre-cooked food for a picnic and take all measures to prevent hill fires. The penalty for lighting fires illegally in the countryside is $25,000 and a year's imprisonment.